Differences Between TOEIC and TOEFL

The biggest difference between TOEIC and TOEFL is why you take them. TOEFL is for academic study. TOEIC is for the workplace.

If you’re applying to universities abroad, go with TOEFL. If you’re building an international career, TOEIC is your tool. This one decision shapes everything else — format, score, difficulty, and preparation strategy.

Understanding what each test is used for changes your decision

Let’s start with the basics. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is designed for students who want to study in an English-speaking university.

According to ETS, the test provider, over 11,500 universities and institutions in more than 160 countries accept TOEFL scores.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is built for professionals. It’s mainly used by companies, especially in Asia. More than 14,000 companies in 160 countries use TOEIC to evaluate the English skills of employees and job applicants.

If you want to apply to Harvard, Oxford, or a Canadian university, take the TOEFL. If you’re applying to Samsung, LG, or a global consulting firm in Seoul, they’ll look at TOEIC.

You’ll notice the test format feels different as soon as you start

TOEFL tests your English in an academic setting. TOEIC checks how well you use English in business environments. Here’s how they break down:

TOEFL iBT is fully internet-based. It tests all four skills. Most test-takers complete it in about 3 hours. Scores range from 0 to 120, with each of the four sections worth 30 points.

TOEIC’s most common version, Listening and Reading, takes 2 hours total, 45 minutes for listening and 75 minutes for reading. Scores range from 10 to 990. A separate speaking and writing test exists but isn’t always required.

The kind of English you hear in each test is very different

One clear difference is in the type of English you get exposed to.

TOEFL gives you lecture-style audio. It mimics what you’d hear in a classroom. You’ll listen to university professors talk about biology, history, or philosophy. You need to take notes. Questions are often asked about the speaker’s purpose, tone, and implied meanings.

TOEIC uses office-style English. You’ll hear conversations in business settings — phone calls, meetings, and customer service. You’re tested on how well you understand announcements, emails, schedules, and workplace instructions.

This difference matters a lot. If you’re training for university life, TOEFL helps. If you’re heading into corporate life, TOEIC gets you ready.

Scoring systems and what they tell others about your skills

TOEFL scoring is straightforward. You get a score out of 120. Most universities ask for 80 to 100. Some top schools require at least 105. For example, MIT asks for a minimum of 100, with strong sub-scores in speaking and writing.

TOEIC scores are out of 990. Companies often expect a score above 800 for positions involving English communication. If you’re targeting foreign sales or marketing, some firms look for 900+.

Here’s a rough comparison for context:

Keep in mind that TOEIC doesn’t show your speaking and writing unless you take those as separate modules. That means if you want a complete English profile, you’ll need to go beyond just the Listening & Reading test.

TOEFL is accepted by global universities, while TOEIC dominates in Asia

Let’s talk recognition. TOEFL is globally recognized in academic settings. It’s widely accepted in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Over 90% of universities in English-speaking countries list TOEFL as a valid entry requirement.

TOEIC is most widely used in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In South Korea alone, over 2 million people take the TOEIC every year. It’s often a must-have for university graduation and job applications.

If you’re attending an English school (영어학원), the first thing your tutor will ask is, “Are you studying for school or work?” That one answer decides whether you’ll study TOEIC patterns or academic vocabulary for TOEFL.

Vocabulary and grammar also take a different route

TOEFL tests complex academic vocabulary. Words like “notwithstanding,” “subsequently,” or “albeit” are common. You’ll need to understand transitions in argumentative essays and inference in long texts.

TOEIC uses workplace English. Words like “reschedule,” “shipment,” “deadline,” and “agenda” appear regularly. It checks whether you can navigate through reports, charts, or a business email.

Grammar-wise, TOEFL rewards more natural, fluent writing. TOEIC asks for correct usage in short sentences. It’s not just about knowing English. It’s about knowing how it works in context.

Many people ask which one is easier, but it depends on your strength

There’s no clear winner when it comes to difficulty. But people do find differences in how each test feels.

TOEFL has integrated tasks. That means you might read an article, then listen to a lecture, and finally write a summary of both. That takes concentration and academic thinking. It’s more like being in a real university setting.

TOEIC is more predictable. You mostly answer multiple-choice questions. In the listening part, you listen once and pick the best answer. It feels less mentally demanding for some.

But, don’t confuse structure with simplicity.

According to ETS, the average TOEFL iBT score worldwide is 88. In South Korea, the average is slightly lower at 83. That means many people find it challenging.

For TOEIC, the global average score is about 700 out of 990. Korean test takers often score between 675 and 675 and 780, depending on their exposure to English.

Test cost is another factor that makes a real difference

TOEFL isn’t cheap. As of 2024, the TOEFL iBT test costs around USD 235 in most countries. That includes all four sections.

TOEIC Listening & Reading, however, is much cheaper. It usually costs around USD 85. If you add speaking and writing, you’ll pay an extra $80–$90, but most people stick to the basic test.

This means TOEIC is less of a financial risk. Especially if you’re just starting or applying to local jobs.

Some learners take the TOEIC multiple times to boost their score without worrying too much about the cost. That’s less common with TOEFL because of its price tag and preparation time.

Availability and test schedules are easier for TOEIC takers

TOEIC is offered more frequently. In countries like South Korea and Japan, you can take the TOEIC almost every week. There are plenty of centers and open seats.

TOEFL, in contrast, is offered about 50–60 times per year. You may need to book well in advance. Some areas have limited test centers. That makes planning a bit harder, especially if you’re on a deadline for university applications.

Also, TOEFL scores are available after about 4–8 days. TOEIC scores are usually ready in 7–10 days, though this depends on your region and which version of the test you take.

Conclusion

You’ll notice something if you talk to recent test takers.

Students who aim for U.S. or Canadian universities spend 3–6 months preparing for TOEFL. They focus on note-taking, academic vocabulary, and writing under time pressure. Most of them take the test just once or twice because of the high cost and stress.

Employees and job seekers preparing for TOEIC often build it into their daily routines. They review questions from mobile apps, practice business phrases, and take mock tests weekly. Some take the test multiple times across several months until they hit a target score.

In countries like South Korea, TOEIC scores are often part of job applications, even if English isn’t a central part of the job. One large-scale survey by Job Korea in 2023 showed that over 78% of job seekers had taken the TOEIC at least once in the past two years.

AmazingTalker is one example of where learners shift to online tutoring. You can find online tutors and book online classes based on your preferences. And if TOEIC is your focus, they also offer expert guidance, just like a 토익학원, but one-on-one and more flexible.

The key trend is this: More people want personal learning with clear goals — not just a classroom with 30 other people. Both tests benefit from that kind of targeted coaching.